Gosiame Thamara Sithole gained widespread attention in the summer of 2021 by asserting that she had given birth to 10 babies simultaneously. While some expressed joy and offered congratulations, skepticism soon arose about the authenticity of her story, and the truth eventually came to light.
The arrival of children is undeniably a joyous occasion, and welcoming 10 babies at once would be an extraordinary event.
In June 2020, rumors circulated that a 37-year-old woman had given birth to decuplets at the Steve Biko Academic Hospital in South Africa. The news, initially reported by journalist Piet Rampedi in Pretoria News, claimed that Gosiame Thamara Sithole had delivered the decuplets on June 7th.
According to Pretoria News, Ms. Sithole and her partner, Teboho, residents of a working-class township in the Gauteng province near Johannesburg, were taken aback when they welcomed decuplets, as earlier scans had indicated an expectation of «only» eight babies.
The news of the Temibsa 10, as they were named, making a record-breaking entrance into the world captured headlines globally. The attention was unsurprising given the rarity of decuplets, making it a truly remarkable occurrence.
Pretoria News reported that the decuplets were delivered via C-section, and the pregnancy of three girls and seven boys occurred naturally, without the aid of fertility treatments.
In an interview with Pretoria News in June 2021, Sithole expressed her shock at the pregnancy’s challenges and her hope for a healthy delivery for all her children.
Donations poured in from around the world to support the family, amassing over $70,000 according to BBC.
However, suspicions arose when it was noticed that Pretoria News did not mention the hospital where the decuplets were reportedly delivered. The Gauteng government initiated an investigation, ultimately revealing that no hospital had any record of delivering decuplets.
Tragic house explosion claims lives of two beloved brothers
In a tragic occurrence in Defiance, Missouri, a house explosion claimed the lives of two young boys.
Julian Keiser, four, and Jamison Keiser, six, died when their home caught fire on Friday morning. Grieving neighbors and community members remembered them as the “nicest little boys” who brought joy to all who knew them.
Evelyn Turpiano, the boys’ mother, and their grandparents, Jennifer and Vern Ham, were able to escape the burning home and reach safety. Unfortunately, the severity of the fire made it impossible for firefighters to reach Julian and Jamison in time. Despite a concerted effort from the community, rescue attempts were unsuccessful. The cause of the explosion remains under investigation.
The Hoffmann Family of Companies, based in Florida and owners of the property where the tragedy occurred, has extended their condolences to the family as a show of support. Known for their active involvement in the local community, the Hoffmanns have been working to transform the region into the Midwest’s Napa Valley by acquiring wineries and eateries.
To support the grieving family through their devastating loss, a GoFundMe campaign has been set up. So far, more than $145,000 has been raised, reflecting the tremendous support from friends, neighbors, and even strangers. The funds will help cover funeral expenses and aid the family in rebuilding their lives after the loss of their home and possessions.
In a show of solidarity, the Defiance community has rallied around the grieving family. Laura Emerson, a local resident, commemorated the boys by placing a Christmas wreath on a water pump near the charred remains of their home. She adorned the wreath with two stuffed animals to celebrate the boys’ joyful spirits and the love they brought to others.
We are so very sorry for this devastating loss. May these loving boys rest in peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with the grieving family.
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